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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: BigBlueIron on September 22, 2020, 04:04:14 PM

Title: 6R80
Post by: BigBlueIron on September 22, 2020, 04:04:14 PM
Awhile back there was talk about adapting the FE to the 6r80 that raised questions. I recently found a you tube vid of someone utilizing one. Gives a few quick views of how it fits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeWZg9YfXb4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeWZg9YfXb4)

Sweet ass build too.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 22, 2020, 06:11:17 PM
Thanks for the link. My C6 is on its way out. I have been researching options and will do a complete drivetrain upgrade over the winter. Looking at a built electronic Overdrive transmission or perhaps a old school powerglide with a gear vendors behind it. Need to get a handle on the overall cost of each option.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: mbrunson427 on September 22, 2020, 11:17:55 PM
I think he may be using a speed gems adapter? I messaged him and asked him.

Personally I like the adapter setup that Broader has for the 4R70W trans. Maintains an FE bellhousing and starter setup. Looks less headache prone.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: TomP on September 23, 2020, 03:09:53 AM
That starter solenoid couldn't be in a worse spot. Not sure why that isn't turned to the bottom. That adapter looks very thick, i assume that flexplate is on a spacer on the crank flange.

The electronics to control that tranny are quite expensive.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 23, 2020, 08:20:02 AM
So far I am aware of the Bendsten's Speed Gems adapter or the Wilcap Co. adaptor as options. I've seen Broader Transmissions but not any adaptors yet. Have to look into that. Might be another adapter out there but only available in the used marketplace. Torque converter options for the AOD, 4R70(W), 6R80 etc.... are also a big deal. A lock up converters sounds like the best way to go. Overall I'm hoping to find a setup that is just as efficient than a C4 w/Gear Vendors. It will need to fit without cutting my floorpan. Ideally lower cost OR more efficient with a justifiable cost up. This should keep me busy all winter.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: turbohunter on September 23, 2020, 08:31:42 AM
Broader setup mates to a C5 bell iirc. I was wondering also if a 4r70 body is bigger or same size as a C6. Thinking about it for the wagon but would rather not cut the floor.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: mbrunson427 on September 23, 2020, 09:29:00 AM
I was just looking into all of this stuff. Trying to find a transmission that has overdrive and a lockup converter.

I found this:
https://www.fordfe.com/4r70w-transmission-is-done-t110660.html

The 6R80 is pretty big, plus the adapter plate that speed gems makes pushes the transmission backward. I'm afraid in a Galaxie or Mustang it would set the transmission smack in the middle of the firewall.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: mbrunson427 on September 23, 2020, 09:45:34 AM
Here's an article from Gearstar I just read.

https://gearstar.com/lets-talk-high-performance-4r70w-transmissions/
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: turbohunter on September 23, 2020, 10:47:09 AM
Those links are helpful Mike thanks.
Just looked up the price for the controller that kid with the truck is using. $585 for the full featured unit and $455 for the daily driver style.
4R70W can be set up with or without controller.

https://www.usshift.com/pricing.shtml
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 23, 2020, 11:15:04 AM
Thanks for the links. I've read that the 4R70W up to 2001 still had a mechanical speedometer input. After that they go away on the main units. Doubt any 6R80's have a mechanical speedometer feature when you exclude the transfer case for trucks. There's always solutions but they keep adding $$$

My FE is getting tired so the vacuum is barely enough for the accessories. I'd like to go electronic and not have the transmission characteristics impacted by the vacuum signal. I won't be getting into the motor until 2022 probably but want to cruise next season.

Here's the end of a series where a 4R70 goes into a wagon. It's a small block car though. If the FE with an adapter pushes the whole assembly back it looks to be real tight at the output shaft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qn-alvw1mc
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Falcon67 on September 23, 2020, 02:35:48 PM
> i assume that flexplate is on a spacer on the crank flange.

Hard to see but does not appear to be.  Could easily use a custom converter to do that, or spacers between teh converter and flex.  But yea, that's not some .250 thick rear motor plate for sure. 
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 23, 2020, 03:55:11 PM
Both adapters I've seen are an inch or two thick. My guess is lots of material so that the starter perch will stand the test of time. Makes the Cruise-O-Matic bell housing splice an interesting concept.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: TTA89 on September 23, 2020, 06:32:46 PM
The gear ratios in the 6R80 are pretty awesome for a street car.  I'm def going this route in my 67 Mustang.  The controllers are expensive but the transmissions are pretty strong from the factory and there are deals out there to get a used one. if you search through the internet you'll see coyote mustang stick to 6R80 swap guys running in the 9s on junkyard pull out 6R80s.

I'm pretty sure you can find one for $500 or less locally which doesn't make the controller that big of a deal.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 23, 2020, 10:34:27 PM
Once I pull the C6 out I'll be looking into picking up transmissions to check for size etc... The torque handling is another factor as well. I'm committed to a 4.375 forged crank and Jay's new heads. Everything else is TBD.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: jmlay on September 23, 2020, 11:06:47 PM
 I have read 01 was the last year for cable drive speedo. Have also read 02 was a transition year where some will have the correct output shaft and some will not. I have 2 4r70w from ex police cars, 03, that are untouched internally. Mine do have the appropriate output shaft and tail housing to support a cable drive speedometer. Just. Ecause it has the hole for the speedo cable does not guarantee it will have the correct output shaft! Make sure you peep in the hole before spending laying down your hard earned cash.

There are several posts around the net where a 4r70w have bee installed in 65/66 mustangs behind a small block with no tunnel modification. Side by side the c6 and the 4r70w are not much different width wise. I will see if I can get some side by side pictures this weekend.

Myself I did not want to deal with the adapter as the space between the firewall and the back of the block in a 69 Mustang is tight already. I chose the QuickTime bellhousing. This requires the the old bell to be cut off and bolts on to the pump. Note there are 2 part numbers, older version that supported a smaller converter and the newer part that supports a larger converter.

Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: gregaba on September 24, 2020, 03:49:20 PM
I have 2 6r80's in my shop. One to go in my 71 Ranchero CJ with 429, The other going in my 428 63 Galaxie.
I took some measurements and can install it in the 71 without cutting the floorboards. I haven't got the Galaxie in the shop yet but it looks like it will go in with no clearance problems but will be close.
Cost are reasonable and a lot cheaper then a Tko 600 that I was going to use in both cars.
So far the tranny's cost me 460.00 each with less then 60,000 miles on them.
I haven't ordered the controller yet but was talking to the seller today and he said $1250.
The adapter kit is $950.00.
If you are using
Here are pictures of a C-6 next to the 6r80 for comparsion.
 the cable speedo drive Dakota Digital makes a adapter ECD-100. I haven't had a chance to see what they cost yet.
I have friends running stock 6r80's in the mustange with twin turbos with no mods to the tran's so I know they are a great tran's.
Greg
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: 70tp on September 24, 2020, 05:24:47 PM
What would be the best \ most common application for the 6r80?   The more common, the cheaper, or easier to get?   
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: mbrunson427 on September 24, 2020, 05:39:55 PM
What would be the best \ most common application for the 6r80?   The more common, the cheaper, or easier to get?

Almost every ford F150 between 2009 and now. Krillions of them made.
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 24, 2020, 06:13:10 PM
It's impressive to learn what those 6 speeds are capable of holding.

Greg - Thanks for the side by sides. Helps to take some of the guess work out of things. Any information on what torque converters are going in these 6R80's?
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: gregaba on September 25, 2020, 09:39:05 AM
Hi
I am going to use the stock converter. the 71 Will be a warmed up street car and mostly a grocery getter.
I was looking at a aftermarket converter for the 63 but after ridding in my friends twin turbo Mustang i decided to go stock.
You can buy an aftermarket one with your choice of stall,etc. for $1250.00 but for my use I don't think I need it.
If I do I will buy one and install it.
Greg
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: TTA89 on September 26, 2020, 09:04:03 AM
What would be the best \ most common application for the 6r80?   The more common, the cheaper, or easier to get?

Almost every ford F150 between 2009 and now. Krillions of them made.

You want a 2011+ 5.0 V8 2WD F150 6R80 if you want to use the Bendenson adapter. The Ecoboost V6 6R80s have a different bellhousing.  A Mustang trans would work too but those are expensive. The earlier pre 2011 6R80s had electronics built in and aren't compatible with the aftermarket controllers. Just FYI.  :)
Title: Re: 6R80
Post by: Gaugster on September 27, 2020, 09:25:15 PM
Going to keep my eye out for a 2011+ 6R80 from a 2WD V8.  I see that Dakota Digital has the new and improved ECD-200BT for $329.95 on the web.

https://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=886/category_id=712/mode=prod/prd886.htm

Lokar is making a 6R80 compatible shifter that seems pretty trick too. $500 though.

https://www.lokar.com/assets/instructions/INS0169-Electronic-Sport-Mode-Shifter.pdf

If I can get the trans for low cost it may end up being a lower cost option over C4 w/Gear Vendors.

Update - Found a cool video that goes pretty in-depth on the 6R80 and PBH has a nice dimensional layout of the 6R80. Seems like riding on the coattails of the Coyote swap crowd finds a lot of support.

https://youtu.be/8ucqjVccMGE

https://pbhperformance.com/6r80-dimensional-drawings-for-your-coyote-swap/